5 Most Common Lock Issues

It is essential to ensure all your external locks are kept in good working order to keep your property as safe and secure as it can be. If you find there is an issue with your lock, then it should be dealt with as a top priority. Some issues with locks are a quick fix and can just simply be repaired, however other issues can be more complex and require a full mechanism or lock change.

Broken Key In Lock – It is surprising how common this is, and it can be a very frustrating situation to be in as it often happen totally out of the blue with no prior warning signs. If you do find yourself in this situation then it is important that you don’t attempt to unlock, or lock your door with the broken key as this will only make matters worse. You can attempt to remove the key yourself with a pair of needle nose pliers, however if you can’t see enough of the key then you should not try and attempt this, instead give your local locksmith a quick call and they will be able to come and extract the broken key for you and also help you gain entry to your property without causing any damage to the lock or door if you don’t have access to a spare key.

Difficult to Open/Stiff Lock – This is usually caused by a build-up of dust and dirt that has found its way into the locking mechanism, over time as it builds up it makes the lock difficult to turn. A graphite spray or other silicone based lubricant may help, just spry it onto the lock and turn the key a few times until it eventually frees up. You should never use oil based lubricants such as WD-40 to try and lubricate a lock as this will only provide a short-term fix but later cause further problems down the line as it will clog the mechanism up.

UPVC Door Difficult to Lock/Unlock – If you having problems locking or unlocking your uPVC door when it is closed but there are no issues when it is open then it is likely an alignment issue. UPVC doors have been designed to be adjustable and it is quite a common occurrence for them to slip out of alignment. If you don’t know what you’re doing, then this can be quite difficult to fix so it might be worth calling out your local locksmith to come and adjust the door for you. With this said if the reason behind your door not locking or unlocking with ease is not down to an alignment issue then it is likely to be a faulty locking mechanism, in which case this is quite a complex fix that must be done by your local locksmith as it will often require new parts and someone that knows how to install them.

Difficult To Insert Key – Right this may seem obvious but the first thing that you need to do is make sure your using the right key! It’s a simple mistake that most of us often make, if it is the right key that your using then you need to rule out that it’s not a poorly cut key. If you have recent had your key cut then try using an older key in the door, if the problem persists then it is likely that the problem isn’t the keys but the lock itself. You will have to call out a reputable locksmith to come and diagnose and fix the problem.

Can’t Turn Key In Lock – There are many things that can be causing this to happen, regardless of the cause the one thing you should never attempt is to force the key in the lock as this could not only damage the lock further but you also run the risk of breaking the key off in the lock leaving you with two lock issues to deal with instead of one! You can try lubricating the lock using the method mentioned under heading ‘Difficult to Open/Stiff Lock’ however if this doesn’t resolve the issue then it is likely a fault with the lock cylinder, in which case a locksmith will have to attend your property to both diagnose and resolve the issues you are having.

If you are having issues with your locks or you require the services of a locksmith to help with any other home security issues then contact Quick Locks UK today – 01302 272 192